This year UK Disability History Month runs from 16 November to 16 December. This annual event serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges and experiences encountered by the disabled community. It is a time to celebrate the progress made so far and recognize the ongoing struggle for equality and human rights faced by individuals with disabilities.
Disabilities come in a wide array of forms ranging from the visible to the invisible such as neurodivergent conditions. Within the student body at Imperial College London, approximately 7-8% of students identify as disabled. This is sure to be an underestimation. Think about how many people you interact with daily who might be navigating challenges associated with disabilities. With so many students being impacted, it is vital that we create a College that is inclusive and accessible for all. Be kind, and compassionate to one another, you never know what someone else is going through.
As your Disability Officer this year, I want to unify the disabled student body of Imperial and create a more inclusive space for all. One of the highlights of our upcoming activities is the guest panel of speakers scheduled for Wednesday 29 November at 2pm. This panel will feature diverse voices and perspectives, offering valuable discussions and insights into the challenges and triumphs of living with disabilities. It's a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, everyone is welcome!
We will also be active on our social media account on Instagram @icudisabilitiesnetwork to educate about various disabilities and allow disabled students to have a platform to share their stories. If anyone reading would like to get involved feel free to email me at icu-disabilities@imperial.ac.uk.
To any disabled student reading this, you are doing so well, be proud of everything you have achieved so far. But remember you are not alone, we have an amazing network of students ready to connect with you and a fantastic Disability Advisory Service to support you. All the staff members in the DAS are lovely and would love to help you with any issues. If there is ever a change in your symptoms or conditions or if you would like to report your diagnosis to the university, please don't hesitate to contact DAS.
Take care of yourselves and always celebrate the little wins!